Bill > HB395

This bill aims to regulate the use and installation of "small portable solar generation devices," which are defined as movable solar devices with a maximum power output of 1,200 watts per customer (or per dwelling unit in multi-family housing) that connect to a building's electrical outlet, are located on the customer's side of the electric meter, meet national electrical code standards, are certified by a recognized testing laboratory, and include a feature to prevent them from affecting the building's electrical system during a power outage. The bill prevents localities from prohibiting these devices on residential structures, provided they meet certain zoning and historic district requirements, and allows tenants to install them on the exterior of their rental units, with landlords able to impose reasonable restrictions on placement. Importantly, these small portable solar devices are explicitly excluded from net metering programs, which are designed to credit customers for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The bill also clarifies that electric utilities, municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives cannot impose interconnection requirements, charge fees, or demand prior approval for these devices, and they are not liable for any damage or injury caused by them. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a simplified notification form for customers installing these devices.

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https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB395